Repository: Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University

Title: John W. Wilson Collections

Collection No.: SC 3012

Creator: John W. Wilson

Extent: 1 Hollinger Box, 1 Oversize

Language: English

Abstract: This collection is comprised of a variety of documents, including letters, deeds, indentures, receipts, and accounts, all relating to Jacob Bear, Benjamin Graves, Jacob Sipe, and the Dean (Deane, Deen) and the Harnsberger family.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions: Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions: The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk. (library-special@jmu.edu).

Bio/Historical Note: The Mount Vernon Iron Furnace was located in Brown’s Gap, VA, and was started by the Faussett family. It was built in 1848 and was operated by the Miller family, John F. Lewis, and a variety of others until 1878.

Scope and Content: The John W. Wilson Collection, 1766-1963, consists of a variety of documents (receipts, deeds, accounts, and letters) relating mostly to Jacob Bear, Benjamin Graves, Jacob Sipe, and the Dean (Deane, Deen) and Harnsberger (Hansberger) families of Rockingham, Madison, Orange, and Augusta Counties, Va. from 1766 to 1963. Of particular interest are the 1842 Elk Run Class Book; the 1858-59 Housekeeping Book, which lists household and farm items needed for life at the time; and accounts of the Mt. Vernon Iron Works (Rockingham County) from 1878-1879 (oversize). Items are grouped in series by date created and are listen individually below.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged in four series

1780-1829

1830-1850

1850-1963

Oversize

Bibliography: Wayland, John Walter. A History of Rockingham County, VA. Ruebush-Elkins Co. Dayton, VA, 1912.

Contents:

Box: Folder

Series I, 1780-1829 1:1

Two wills of Jacob Bear (1787,1827)

Two account pages of B. Graves with J. Brock (1800-01)

Land survey for Margaret Sipe by Joseph Mauzy (1813)

Purchase of dower right of land of widow of John Mungeo by Henry Mungeo (1814)

Distillery tax bill of Benjamin and John Graves (1814)

Page of purchases by Benjamin Graves of Simeon Graves (1815)

Notice of land sale (fragment), signed Tho. Eddins and Benjamin Graves (1816)

Notices (7) of property auction of Wm. Collins, deceased, of Orange County (1816)